Product Description

A hard-cover coffee-table book featuring 350 images of 200 climbers by photographer, Simon Carter. The result of over 20 years work, this is an exciting photographic journey to 21 of Australia’s climbing destinations.

In addition to the images, this book contains text written by 80 individual climbing authors, giving an insight into the heart and soul of Australian climbing. The emotive and often humorous stories, along with the spectacular imagery, makes this a true celebration of Australian climbing that will inspire every climber.

In addition to the Regular Edition, we are producing 100 copies (only) of a special deluxe Limited Edition version of the book. The Limited Edition is only available from Onsight Photography and can be pre-ordered –> here.

Additional information

Climbing photography isn’t easy – the sheer volume of belayers’ point of view shots of climbers’ backsides disappearing up foreshortened walls, or top down shots of someone’s hat and some chalky fingers will attest to that. Simon Carter has decades of experience in how to bring the right perspective into his photos, putting the climber in the context of the route they’re working, the cliff they are on and in many cases the wider landscape around them. His latest book, Rock Climbing Down Under – Australia Exposed, brings together 350 or so of his best photos from 21 climbing areas around the country. Importantly, for each crag he’s been able to get a few climbers, each of whom are or were at one time deeply immersed in its local climbing scene, to pen a few words to provide the sort of background and colour that makes every climbing area so much more than a collection of routes and a guidebook.

This is an excellent collection and I strongly recommend it for anyone with even a passing interest in the sport.

Rated 5 out of 5

Craig–12 November 2014

Having always been a fan of Simon’s photography, I was looking forward to getting my hands on this book. And it didn’t disappoint. A wonderful collection of images and descriptions of climbing from around the country, with the added insight provided by the local climbers. Highly recommended.

Rated 5 out of 5

Glenn Tempest–13 November 2014

Just picked up my copy of the book and I think it is simply superb. Very inspirational. The photographs are incredible and this title will no doubt be an unparalleled showcase for Australian climbing.

Rated 5 out of 5

Domhnall Brannigan–17 November 2014

I was lucky enough to acquire one of the first signed copies from Simon when he spoke and shared some of the images from the book at our Expedition Medicine course in the Blue Mountains a few weeks back. Simon’s iconic style is very much in evidence throughout the beautifully produced leaves of this gorgeous book. There are a few images I’d seen before but a huge number of the photographs are new and shot specifically for this project. Clearly the book is a labour of love. Love for climbing, love for the Australian bush, love for the wide open spaces, big skies and varied vertical places of this huge land. If you know the crags, you will want to go back. If you’ve never been, you will be making plans only a few pages in. Simon takes us on an idiosyncratic journey around a selection of the country’s crags, accompanied by the fireside stories, wit, wisdom and irrevernce of some of Australia’s most interesting climbers. This book is a musty have. Your coffee table needs it. Your soul needs it. Damn, I want to go climbing…

Rated 5 out of 5

Susy G–23 November 2014

I arrived home this morning from Kalymnos, and opened up my parcel containing Rock Climbing Down Under. I expected that it would be something special, and I’d had the heads up from several non-climbing friends who’s copies had arrived in the mail while I was away. (One friend’s message said “just received Simon Carter’s book today…. Amazing! Its drawing big oohs and wows from everyone who’s reading it”. She and her friends are not even climbers!).

Well, it is superb. The collection of quality shots and the overall production have gone to the next level. It defines our continent. Tourism Australia should be notified and grateful, as its quite the enticement to come explore. And, there is so much in it that I’ll be occupied for weeks and even years absorbing it all.

Simon has done more than ‘just’ make art. So many models and contributors telling their stories gives a huge cross section of climbers a sense of ownership and involvement: the book builds community. What is exposed is not only Australia but Australians, and our unique national character.

Most people are aware of Australia’s internationally renowned crags. These are celebrated in RCDU as they should be. But there’s also a plethora of lesser known, less trafficked crags, for those seeking inspiration for new places and new adventures. Whether one’s interest lies in the classic crags or the offbeat, RCDU is a climber’s must have resource for planting seeds and shaping dreams.

Rated 5 out of 5

Doug Bruce–18 December 2014

So pleased that I sprung for the limited edition with the flashy cover. This book canvasses the full breadth of Australian climbing, with something for everyone from the old-time trad bumbles like yours truly to the top end sport hotshots. Simply a superb collection of inspiring images. Outstanding effort, Simon!